Matt Humphrey, owner of Steele Barber and Steele Salons in Ballard and Roosevelt, says open-air drug use and slow 911 response are worsening near his businesses despite official crime statistics. He recounted a recent incident in which drug users hijacked a produce delivery and used drugs publicly while police did not appear to respond. Thirty-eight Seattle-area business leaders have asked Mayor Katie Wilson for a 100-day public-safety plan that includes more officers, cameras, faster response times and coordinated treatment and enforcement. Humphrey warns the city must act quickly to protect employees, customers and local businesses.
Seattle Small-Business Owner Warns: Open-Air Drug Use and Slow 911 Response Threaten Local Shops
matt-humphrey-seattle-barber
Matt Humphrey, owner of Steele Barber and Steele Salons in Ballard and Roosevelt, says open-air drug use, harassment and slow emergency response near his shops and home have worsened — despite city crime statistics that suggest otherwise.
Small Businesses Sound the Alarm
Humphrey described a recent incident in which open-air drug users "hijacked a whole shipment of produce" from a local restaurant, scattered it in the street and were "shooting up and smoking something." He said he called 911 but did not see police arrive.
Matt Humphrey, a Seattle barber who has locations in the Ballard and Roosevelt areas.
"It's not getting better, it's getting worse despite the statistics," Humphrey told Fox News Digital. "We encounter this really every day or every week... it's dangerous for our staff, and it's not great for our customers."
The complaint coincides with an open letter signed by 38 Seattle-area business leaders, including executives from Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom, the Seattle Mariners and Alaska Airlines. The letter asks Mayor Katie Wilson and the Seattle City Council for a 100-day public-safety action plan, more surveillance cameras, increased police staffing, faster response times, and a dual approach that prioritizes treatment and shelter while pursuing arrests for repeat offenders.
Humphrey welcomed the letter, saying it's encouraging to see large employers demand accountability so small businesses can continue to provide jobs and serve customers in the city.
Seattle city street with homeless encampment.
Statistics Versus Street-Level Experience
After the July Bite of Seattle shooting that killed three people, Mayor Wilson shared Seattle Police Department data indicating shootings and homicides are at a decade low. Humphrey disputes that narrative based on what he sees in neighborhoods near his businesses — tent encampments, public drug use and delayed emergency responses.
"Last week I called 911 for a man 20 feet from my house who looked like he was dead... I was bounced between the 911 operator and EMS. They asked if I could talk to him and I said no — he could have a weapon," Humphrey said.
Humphrey urged city leaders to prioritize faster police responses and stronger employee security measures, warning that without swifter action and reliable law enforcement support, Seattle risks losing businesses and community safety.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Katie Wilson and the Seattle Police Department for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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